The Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a peaceful, free, fair and credible local government election by strengthening its partnership with the Department of State Services (DSS) ahead of the December 29, 2026 polls.
OYSIEC Chairman, Dr. Afees Adeniyi, made this known during a courtesy and working visit to the Oyo State headquarters of the DSS in Ibadan on Tuesday.
According to Adeniyi, the visit was aimed at deepening collaboration with the security agency, stressing that effective security remains essential to the success of the forthcoming local government election.
He announced that the election would be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2026, adding that preparations were already in full swing and that the commission had fixed the date in line with the provisions of the relevant electoral laws.
“We are here today to formally notify the DSS that another round of local government elections will be held in Oyo State on Tuesday, December 29, 2026, and preparations are already in full swing,” Adeniyi said.
He appealed to the DSS to continue providing professional support before, during and after the election to ensure a peaceful and violence-free exercise.
The OYSIEC chairman also commended the DSS and other security agencies for their intelligence-led operation that secured the rescue of victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, describing their professionalism as commendable.
“We look forward to your continued support in creating a peaceful and secure environment that will guarantee a free, fair, credible and violence-free local government election,” he added.
Responding, the Oyo State Director of the DSS, Mr. Usman Biu, assured the electoral commission of the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the electoral process through intelligence gathering and proactive security measures.
Biu said early engagement between OYSIEC and the DSS would enhance coordination and help identify and neutralise potential security threats before they escalate.
“It is commendable that the Commission is engaging with the Service early enough. We will work closely together. It is important that OYSIEC carries the Service and our liaison officer along throughout the preparations so that we remain on the same page,” he said.
He added that the DSS would deploy its intelligence capabilities to prevent any act capable of disrupting the election or undermining its credibility.
The DSS director also called for sustained voter education and public sensitisation campaigns to boost voter participation and reduce apathy during the December 29 local government election.
The visit is part of OYSIEC’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders as preparations intensify for the 2026 local government elections in Oyo State.